A Manhattan jury has acquitted a Long Island man who admitted to stabbing a teenager to death during a violent street clash outside a downtown axe-throwing bar.

Gianluca Bordone, 21, was found not guilty of manslaughter and assault after claiming self-defense in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Rocco Rodden during a brutal early morning fight last November in TriBeCa, as the New York Post reports.

The deadly incident unfolded around 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 23, 2023 -- the night before Thanksgiving -- outside Live Axe, a nightlife venue centered around axe-throwing activities. Authorities say two groups, one including Bordone and another with Rocco Rodden and his friends, became embroiled in a chaotic brawl on the street just after closing time.

Rodden, a high school football player from New Jersey, had been visiting Manhattan with his siblings and friends attending college. The reunion turned tragic when violence broke out, resulting in Rodden suffering a stab wound to the chest that authorities later confirmed was fatal.

Witnesses testified during the three-week trial in Manhattan Supreme Court that the confrontation escalated quickly between the two groups, with punches thrown and people chasing one another. Surveillance footage and police bodycam captured the frightening aftermath, which included the sight of Rocco's older brother, Anthony Rodden, bloodied and frantically searching for his sibling on the street.

Man admits to stabbing, cites fear of harm

During the trial, Bordone took the stand in his own defense, acknowledging that he stabbed Rodden. However, he insisted the act came from fear for his life. He told jurors he believed he was about to be attacked, stomped on, or possibly struck with a bottle.

"I was afraid that they would get me to the floor, stomp me, kill me, hit me with the bottle that I had seen before," Bordone told the court during his testimony. His lawyer, Anthony Ricco, pointed to video footage that, he argued, supported his client’s account that Bordone had been pursued and assaulted by Rodden and his companions.

The prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorney Alfred Peterson, painted a far more damning portrait. He told jurors that Bordone plunged a knife into Rodden’s chest, inflicting a wound that tore through his rib cage and ultimately pierced his heart. Anthony Rodden, Rocco’s 21-year-old brother, also sustained slash wounds during the melee and later provided moving testimony about the harrowing night.

Jury delivers not-guilty verdict

After three weeks of dense testimony, dramatic surveillance footage, and conflicting narratives from both sides, the case was handed over to jurors. Despite the emotional testimony and graphic evidence, the panel reached a decision in just four hours. Their verdict: not guilty on all charges, including manslaughter and assault.

The decision frees Bordone, an event promoter from Oyster Bay and a graduate of Roslyn High School, who faced up to 25 years in prison if convicted. The defense successfully argued that he acted solely to protect himself amid chaos and danger.

Reacting to the verdict, a spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office issued a solemn statement. “We thank the members of the jury for their service and respect their verdict,” the spokesman said. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the Rodden family, who continue to mourn a devastating loss.”

Family left grieving

For the Rodden family, the verdict came as another emotional blow in a painful saga. The aspiring athlete’s death stunned his New Jersey community and left friends and family reeling during what was supposed to be a joyful holiday gathering.

Although Bordone is now legally cleared, the emotional toll remains heavy on those who knew and loved Rocco. Prosecutors maintained that the teen died in a manner that was both brutal and unnecessary, despite the differing interpretation of events by the defense.

The prosecution acknowledged the jury’s ruling while continuing to express sympathy for the Rodden family’s pain. The quick deliberation stood in stark contrast to the complexity of the case, which involved multiple witnesses, bodycam footage, and emotionally charged testimony.

Lessons to learn

While every situation is unique and unpredictable, violent incidents like this one can offer lessons for public safety. Here are a few takeaways:

1. Nightlife settings can sometimes turn dangerous fast. Always be aware of your surroundings when leaving bars, especially in the early morning when tensions can escalate. Stick with friends and have a plan for how to exit the area safely.

2. While self-defense is a legal right, carrying weapons can introduce deadly consequences. Whether legally armed or not, any use of force in public places opens individuals up to grave legal and moral outcomes.

3. Emotional control during high-stress situations is critical. Fights that spiral out of control can change lives forever. Learning how to de-escalate a potential conflict can not only prevent injury or death but also protect against long-lasting legal ramifications.

Still, it’s critical to acknowledge that even those who take precautions can become victims. Crime can affect anyone, and victim-blaming only obscures the harsh realities faced by those impacted by violence.

Why this story matters

This case shines a spotlight on how violent altercations can erupt in everyday environments, and how quickly life-altering outcomes can follow. It also demonstrates the challenges of proving self-defense in complex situations with conflicting narratives and emotional weight.

For the community, it is a stark reminder of the thin line between safety and tragedy when alcohol, youth, and fear mix in volatile ways after hours. The verdict raises critical questions about justice, accountability, and the broader context of self-defense laws in urban settings such as New York City.